The Quality of Life of People with Schizophrenia in Costa Rica: A Qualitative Study

Studies suggest people with schizophrenia in Latin America score higher in quality of life (QOL) than in developed countries, the possible causes of this phenomenon are unknown, researchers suggest it may be due to cultural variables. This study hypothesized that people who get treatment from the private healthcare system have a higher QOL, and is intended to explore the primary variables that influence QOL scores in Costa Rica. The study design was mixed; the quantitative measures were the WHOQOL-Bref and Calgary depression scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS). Qualitative measures were a life history interview and a sociodemographic data questionnaire. Data triangulation was done by interviewing clinical psychologists. 5 participants (3 males), all participants scored lower in QOL compared to the country’s average. Depressive symptoms appear to be related to low QOL scores. All participants reported psychiatric hospitalizations as an adverse life event. 2 participants lived in shelters, they scored lower in the environmental and physical domain, complaining about food, access to information, and other amenities; participants who lived with their families scored lower in the social relationships domain, reporting having no friends or sexual relationships. It is suggested that religiosity/spirituality has a positive effect on the meaning of life and in the psychological domain.